Thunderbolts and Lightning

[Tira]

Shadows settle on the place,
OUR MINDS ARE TROUBLED BY THE EMPTINESS
TAGGED @vero	The rainy season in Yujleda territory had been much more violent than anything Tira had experienced on the western plains. It wasn’t enough to drown the crops, but the rain and wind made travelling even to the capital a challenge. Tira had gotten caught in a storm on her way, riding in a horse drawn cart with goods for the village. The trees gave little shelter against the raging winds and rain, but she needed a place to wait out the weather before she could deliver the foods and goods that she brought down from the hillside farm her family cared for. They had many things from dairy to earthy vegetables and tropical fruits. Much more grew in these richer lands. She often came to the village on her own, and while doing so she met Vero—a warrior who was a year older than herself. She loved watching him train and even spent time with him when she finished up her sales early. As she came to the village, she tightened the tarp over her cart and led her horse between two wooden buildings to keep her dry. Luckily she knew that Vero wouldn’t be upset if she showed up unannounced... Still she was a little nervous as she approached his home. She... really enjoyed his company. Though she knew that they were friends, she couldn’t help feeling a little bit more. Her father knew it and would always be very irritated whenever she ran off to spend time with him. Tria wasn’t sure how he felt about her but it made showing up that much more nerve wracking. She lightly pushed the door open a crack and pulled her shawl tighter around herself to protect against the rain. “Vero! Are you here?” she called as she stepped inside and looked around. Quickly she pulled her hood down. Nobody was in the shelter... which should have made her leave and wait for him. He could have even been elsewhere but instead she wandered and lit candles with the fire that roared in the corner. Even behind the walls, the wind made the lights flicker. She put out the wick quickly and sat near the fire, hoping to dry off before Vero showed up. She ran her fingers through her hair and leaned in close to warm up before pulling off her wet scarf and letting it rest near the flames... it was odd being here alone. It didn’t last long, but it had been strange enough. When the heavy curtains were drawn she stood fast and turned around with wide and almost sheepish eyes. “Vero! Sorry—You weren’t here.... I didn’t touch anything. I just didn’t have anywhere to hide out during the storm.” She pushed her hair back as a nervous tick and pulled her pack to the front of her body to pull out a couple of oranges. "I brought food though!"

pyxis ★

[Deleted]

Tag: Tira

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero wasn't home incredibly often. He usually stayed late and spent time with one of his few close friends or brother. But his brother had decided to go for drink tonight with a few of the other warriors. Vero decided not to join, the training having been particularly intense today. He needed to prepare for tomorrow. Besides, he did not often partake in drink. It effected his senses too much and he wasn't sure what he would become under the influence of wine. And the weather was not agreeable tonight. So it brought him to his home, though he paused when he saw the door slightly cracked open. He immediately withdrew his sword. Either the wind had blown it open or someone had come inside. As Vero stepped in, the answer was becoming more clear.

Wet footsteps marked his ground. He quietly closed the door behind him, cautiously following them . . . hearing the flames of his fireplace crackling. Someone was in here. Despite his large size, he managed to walk with enough care so that he did not make too much noise. He would catch the intruder by surprise; off guard. When close enough he threw back the curtain in a hasty pull and extended his sword, about to lunge at the figure when she quickly made herself known. "Jok of!" He cursed, seeing that it was Tira and letting out a heavy exhalation that he hadn't even realized that he was holding. He listened to her explain why she was here. While her company was never unwelcome, Vero had nearly killed her. And that was enough to make him feel relieved that he had not. Obviously.

He held a care for the young woman, and enjoyed her company. So being so close to harming her was . . . well, something Vero never wished to do. He glanced at the orange that she extended before meeting her gaze again. "Right. Joken fruit. Because that would have made everything better if I had joken killed you." Sarcastic words, though not said with any cruelty. He didn't need to ask why she was here, seeing her soaked state. Once relief fully set in, he walked over to his bench that opened, and pulled out a blanket. Clutched in hand, he made his way back to Tira and draped it around her. "You came here by yourself?" He asked, his tone clearly holding some disapproval that she had made this journey on her own, more out of protectiveness for someone he cared for, rather than any judgment.

[Tira]

Shadows settle on the place,
OUR MINDS ARE TROUBLED BY THE EMPTINESS
TAGGED @vero	Vero’s cussing didn’t shock her or alarm her as much as his drawn sword. Her eyes were wide as she froze, nothing like a seasoned warrior. She just held out the orange like a white flag of surrender and watched as he realized that she wasn’t a threat. As he lowered the sword she couldn’t help the nervous giggle that escaped her throat, even as she clamped her hand over her mouth to hide her wide grin. “At least you wouldn’t have an empty stomach,” she noted with a cheerful tone as she let her hand fall and held the orange at her side. As he draped the blanket around her, her shoulders relaxed and she tightened it around herself—glad to have the warmth of it. She’d been soaked to the bone, even with her shawl to protect her. “I wouldn’t normally barge in... but I thought you might not mind,” she said lightly as she sat back down on the bench. This time she shifted to give him room to sit with her. She even held out the blanket so he could get under it with her. “Just me; which is good, because I think my dad would probably drop dead if he knew where I was,” she laughed a little to herself, recalling the tantrum that he’d had when she ran off to watch him train. Though, she realized that she hadn’t actually told Vero about that, since every time they had come to the village afterwards her father kept her very busy with idiotic tasks and deliveries on a time limit that mad socializing almost impossible. “You should have seen it Vero—his face was so red I thought he was going to explode; or at least faint. He’s like that with anyone that I like though,” she pulled out a small knife and started peeling the orange as she spoke; getting it started before tugging off the peel and handing it to him. “Sometimes I feel like the thinks that I’m going to run off into the sunset with some boy,” she lightly nudged him with her shoulder as she grinned. “Ridiculous isn’t it? Not that I’d mind running off with.... you... or anything,” her face fell a little before she cleared her throat; putting the thought behind her. “So—how was your day?”

pyxis ★

[Deleted]

Tag: Tira

blood and battle

ARE ALL I HAVE EVER KNOWN

Vero cast her a sarcastic look when she teased that he at least wouldn't have an empty stomach . . . but there was a hint of amusement in his gaze as well. The ease starting to come as it was often easily found in Tira's presence. "I don't," he stated, confirming what she already knew. "I'll just have to make sure I don't immediately attack a percieved intruder next time . . . since it might be you." Another tease, though spoken in his usual sarcastic tone of voice. He took a slow breath, moving to sit next to her on the bench.

"You need that more than I do," he stated, referring to the blanket. She needed to get warm before she got sick. So he offered her what he could in addition to the blanket, draping his arm around her to give her additional warmth. Her next words made it impossible to withhold an amused smile. Her father was indeed overprotective of her . . . and perhaps it did make sense that he immensely dislike Vero. But he still found it entertaining. "Far be it from me to tell him," Vero stated, a chuckle in his voice. "It's like that with everyone? Well, suddenly I don't feel so joken special," he joked, knowing somewhat of the struggles she faced with her father. Vero supposed that if he ever had a daughter, he would be the same way. But being on the other side of it . . . continued to be amusing for him.

Vero turned his head to look at her when she teased him about running off with some boy, not missing the nudge to his shoulder, causing his smile to remain in palce. Her next comment about not minding running off with him . . . well, it caused Vero to pause, taking in her words, and noticing the difference in her as she moved to change the subject. He took the piece of offered fruit, eating it to stall his response, not that he was often overly delicate with how he phrased things. "Well, if it makes you feel any better . . . I wouldn't be riding off anywhere. My place is here." A comment meant to lighten the subject a little, though the sentiment was not faded from it, still processing Tira's words.

"Not that I imagine that would give your father any more comfort," he added on, trying to set her words aside, though finding it difficult to. He kenw they were close . . . but how close was this truly getting? "We had some new recruits for training. Not very impressive ones." But he would make them impressive. "And yours?" Far more interested in hearing about her day. "I will take you back tomorrow. Unless you have business here?" He wasn't going to let her travel alone, even if she had come that way. And he was already assuming that she was going to be spending the night. The weather was too horrid to go back in such conditions. And it was late.